Sun Nov 10 04:20:00 UTC 2024: ## North Korean Troops Enter Ukraine War, Escalating Conflict: Officials
**Kiev/Washington D.C. -** North Korean soldiers have been deployed to Ukraine, engaging in combat against Ukrainian forces for the first time, according to Ukrainian and U.S. officials. This significant development marks a major escalation in the two-year-long conflict.
A senior Ukrainian official reported limited engagements, suggesting North Korean troops were probing Ukrainian lines for weaknesses. They reportedly fought alongside Russia’s 810 Separate Naval Infantry Brigade.
While the exact timing of the clashes remains unclear, a U.S. official stated that a considerable number of North Korean soldiers were killed. Both officials emphasized the sensitivity of the information, requesting anonymity.
It is estimated that approximately 10,000 North Korean troops, sent by leader Kim Jong-un, are currently in Ukraine. Their primary objective is to aid Russian forces in retaking control of the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces have gained significant ground since last summer, holding around 250 square miles.
While the majority of North Korean troops have yet to see combat, their presence on the battlefield has been characterized as a major escalation by Western and Ukrainian officials.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his nightly address, appeared to confirm the North Korean involvement and appealed to Ukraine’s allies for assistance in confronting this new threat.
First Piper 